Hey buddies,
A good lesson from a glass of water.....
How heavy is a glass of water . .
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "how heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it."
"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on." "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."
"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can." "Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is yours. Enjoy it!
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to
others.
* Never buy a car you can't push.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
* When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one
person.
* A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour . . .
From India, Bangalore
7A good lesson from a glass of water.....
How heavy is a glass of water . .
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "how heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it."
"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."
He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on." "As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."
"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can." "Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is yours. Enjoy it!
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to
others.
* Never buy a car you can't push.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
* When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one
person.
* A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour . . .
From India, Bangalore
hi anu, really great points to think from a different views n dats true we shud leave or official things in office n shud never take it with us to our home.. dips
From India, Delhi
From India, Delhi
Yes, Anu you are right. We should leave the official baggage in office and the personal baggage at home. Don’t mix up both. Easier said than done?? Thanks Bala
From India, Madras
From India, Madras
Hi Nats,
Here is something on stress magmnt.
Quote:
Stress is a part of day-to-day living of every individual. The college students may experience stress in meeting the academic demands, people on the job, business men may suffer stress to reach office in time and to complete the projects on time and even the house hold ladies may experience stress in managing the home affairs and to look for the maid servant. The reasons for the stress differ from person to person. The stress people experience should not be necessarily treated as harmful. An optimum amount of stress can always act as an energizer or motivator and propel people to apply the efforts and complete the work. But a high level of Stress can be a serious threat to the personality traits of the Individual and can cause physiological and social problems.
What is Stress?
We generally believe that the stress is caused by the external events and the dynamics of the environment. But we need to emphasis the fact that the Stress is caused by our reaction to the external environment. The manner in which we perceive and understand the changes or the particular event creates same event can bring happiness and cause Stress in two different people depending upon how they react to it. When students are asked to prepare a presentation, some may take it to be an opportunity to reveal their talents and to improve upon their weakness while the other students may be perturbed by it for the fear of his weakness. So, Stress is our reaction to external events and it can be positive or negative depending upon how we react. It is the general wear and tear of the body machine that takes place due to extra demands put on it.
We can define Stress as “ body's non-specific response to any demand made on it”. Stress is not by definition synonymous with nervous tension or anxiety. On one side Stress provides the means to express talents and energies and pursue happiness on the other side it can also cause exhaustion and illness, either physical or psychological.
Symptoms of Stress
As stated earlier Stress is caused by or reaction to the external events and bring about changes in our response and our general behavior. The presence of Stress can be estimated by the analysis of certain symptoms an individual shows. These symptoms can be divided into three different categories. They are Feelings, Behavior and Physiology. When the individual experience Stress, one or more of the following symptoms can be exhibited.
Feelings
The individual becomes anxious about the outcomes and is scared. The person feels that he has got something to loose or something wrong will take place.
In an anxious state the person does not want to be corrected or interrupted. He looks out for other areas where he can forget about the stress-causing event for a while. The person becomes irritable and moody.
During high level of Stress the individual develops a negative frame of mind and suffers from low self-esteem. The person loose faith in his capabilities and is afraid of the failures. The individual does not have a focused approach and is not able to concentrate and is involved in his own plans and thoughts.
Physiological and Behavioral Changes
Speech problems.
Impulsive Behavior
Crying for no apparent reason.
Laughing in a high pitch and nervous tone of voice.
Grinding of teeth
Increasing smoking and use of drugs and alcohol.
Being accident-prone
Perspiration /sweaty hands
Increased heart beat
Trembling
Nervous ticks
Dryness of throat and mouth.
Tiring easily
Urinating frequently
Sleeping problems
Diarrhea / indigestion / vomiting/ nausea
Butterflies in stomach
Headaches
Premenstrual tension
Pain in the neck and or lower back
Susceptibility to illness
Loss of appetite or over eating
Causes of Stress
Both positive and negative events in one's life can be stressful. However, major life changes are the greatest contributors of stress for most people.
1. If people have to travel a lot and have to move from place to place, it can cause stress.
2. Individuals can also be under stress if they are about to enter some new environment. They may be going to a new colony. To a new college or they may be joining a new organization.
3. Some events, which are generally once in a lifetime can also cause stress. The social institutions of marriage or divorce can cause stress. Pregnancy can also generate Stress.
4. Some of the untoward incidents like critical illness or death of a relative can also cause stress in individuals.
These are some of the major events in the life of the individual that cause stress. It is also supplemented by the environmental factors that act as catalyst cause increment in stress. They are:
Time pressure
Competition
Financial problems
Noise
Disappointments
Stress Management
Stress can be managed if we understand the reasons that cause stress and the level of stress. We should also try to estimate if we could bring about any change in the environment that can subsequently reduce stress.
1. Become aware of your stressors and your emotional and physical reactions.
Notice your distress. Don't ignore it. Don't gloss over your problems.
Determine what events distress you. What are you telling yourself about meaning of these events? Determine how your body responds to the stress. Do you become nervous or physically upset?
2. Recognize what you can change.
Can you change your stressors by avoiding or eliminating them completely? Can you reduce their intensity (manage them over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis)? Can you shorten your exposure to stress (take a break, leave the physical premises)?
Can you devote the time and energy necessary to making a change (goal setting, time management techniques, and delayed gratification strategies may be helpful here)?
3. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress.
The stress reaction is triggered by your perception of danger...physical danger and/or emotional danger. Are you viewing your stressors in exaggerated terms and/or taking a difficult situation and making it a disaster? Are you expecting to please everyone?
Are you overreacting and viewing things as absolutely critical and urgent? Do you feel you must always prevail in every situation?
Work at adopting more moderate views; try to see the stress as something you can cope with rather than something that overpowers you.
Try to temper your excess emotions. Put the situation in perspective. Do not labor on the negative aspects and the "what ifs."
4. Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress.
Slow, deep breathing will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal. Relaxation techniques can reduce muscle tension. Electronic biofeedback can help you gain voluntary control over such things as muscle tension, heartbeat and blood pressure.
Medications, when prescribed by a physician, can help in the short term in moderating your physical reactions. However, they alone are not the answer. Learning to moderate these reactions on your own is a preferable long-term solution.
5. Build your physical reserves.
Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week (moderate, prolonged rhythmic exercise is best, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging). Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals. Maintain your ideal weight.
Avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants. Mix leisure with work. Take breaks and get away when you can. Get enough sleep. Be as consistent with your sleep schedule as possible.
6. Maintain your emotional reserves.
Develop some mutually supportive friendships/relationships.
Pursue realistic goals that are meaningful to you, rather than goals others have for you that you do not share. Expect some frustrations, failures, and sorrows. Always be kind and gentle with yourself -- be a friend to yourself.
Stress Management Techniques
A. Stress Diary - Finding Your Optimum Stress Levels
How to use tool: Keeping a stress diary is an effective way of finding out what causes you stress, the level of stress you prefer, and your effectiveness under pressure. In this diary keep track of your stress levels and your feelings, everyday. In particular, note down stressful events. Record the following information:
At a regular interval, for example every hour, record routine stress. Note:
The time
The amount of stress that you feel (perhaps on a scale of 1 to 10)
How happy you feel
How efficiently you are working
When stressful events occur, write down:
What the event was
When and where did it occur?
What important factors made the event stressful?
How stressful was the event?
How did you handle the event?
Did you tackle the cause or the symptom?
Did you deal with the stress correctly?
Analyzing the Diary: After a few weeks you should be able to analyze this information. It may be interesting as you carry out the analysis to note down the outcomes of the jobs you were doing when you were under stress. This should give you two types of information:
You should be able to understand the level of stress you are happiest with, and the level of stress at which you work most effectively. You may find that your performance is good even when you feel upset by stress.
You should know what the main sources of unpleasant stress in your life are. You should understand what circumstances make stresses particularly unpleasant, and should be able to see whether your strategies for handling the stresses are effective or not.
B. Psyching Up' - Raising Stress Levels to Improve Performance
How to use tool: Where you are not feeling motivated towards a task, either because you are bored by it, or because you are tired, then you may need to 'psych yourself up'. This will increase your arousal so that you can perform effectively. You can try the following:
Focus on the importance or urgency of the task
Set yourself a challenge - e.g. to do the job in a particular time or to do it to a particularly high standard
Break job down into small parts, do each part between more enjoyable work, and take satisfaction from the successful completion of each element.
Use suggestion: e.g. 'I can feel energy flowing into me'
Get angry about something!
C. Anticipating Stress - Managing Stress by Preparing For It
How to use tool: By anticipating stress you can prepare for it and work out how to control it when it happens. You can do this in a number of ways:
Rehearsal:
By practicing for a stressful event such as an interview or a speech several times in advance you can polish your performance and build confidence.
Planning:
By analyzing the likely causes of stress, you will be able to plan your responses to likely forms of stress. These might be actions to alleviate the situation or may be stress management techniques that you will use. It is important that you formally plan for this - it is little use just worrying in an undisciplined way - this will be counterproductive. Formal planning of responses to stress is a technique used by top-level athletes to ensure that they respond effectively to the stresses of competition.
Avoidance:
Where a situation is likely to be unpleasant, and will not yield any benefit to you, it may be one you can just avoid. You should be certain in your own mind, however, that this is the case, and that you are not running away from problems.
Reducing the Importance of an Event:
When an event is important to you, this can make it very stressful. This is particularly true where you are operating at a high level, where many people are watching, or where there is the prospect of a large financial reward, of promotion, or of personal advancement. The presence of family, friends or important people can also add to pressure. If stress is a problem under these circumstances, then think carefully about the event - take every opportunity to reduce its importance in your eyes:
If the event seems big, put it in its place along the path to your goals. Compare it in your mind with bigger events you might know of or might have attended.
If there is a financial reward, remind yourself that there may be other opportunities for reward later. This will not be the only chance you have. Focus on the quality of your performance. Focusing on the rewards will only damage your concentration and raise stress.
If members of your family are watching, remind yourself that they love you anyway. If friends are real friends, they will continue to like you whether you win or lose.
If people who are important to your goals are watching then remind yourself that you may well have other chances to impress them.
If you focus on the correct performance of your tasks, then the importance of the event will dwindle into the background.
Reducing Uncertainty: Uncertainty can cause high levels of stress. Causes of uncertainty can be:
Not having a clear idea of what the future holds
Not knowing where your organization will be going
Not having any career development plans
Not knowing what will be wanted from you in the future
Not knowing what your boss or colleagues think of your abilities
Receiving vague or inconsistent instructions
D. Get a hobby or two, relax and have fun: Talk with friends or someone you can trust about your worries/problems.
1. Learn to use your time wisely:
Evaluate how you are budgeting your time.
Plan ahead and avoid procrastination.
Make a weekly schedule and try to follow it.
2. Set realistic goals and priorities
3. Practice relaxation techniques. For example, whenever you feel tense, slowly breathe in and out for several minutes.
E. Other Techniques:
1. Meditation can also be a good effort to bring down the stress levels.
2. Taking exercise
3. Effective time Management
4. Good Food and nutrition.
Unquote
Can get more of this humanlinkscom
Thanks
Bala
From India, Madras
Here is something on stress magmnt.
Quote:
Stress is a part of day-to-day living of every individual. The college students may experience stress in meeting the academic demands, people on the job, business men may suffer stress to reach office in time and to complete the projects on time and even the house hold ladies may experience stress in managing the home affairs and to look for the maid servant. The reasons for the stress differ from person to person. The stress people experience should not be necessarily treated as harmful. An optimum amount of stress can always act as an energizer or motivator and propel people to apply the efforts and complete the work. But a high level of Stress can be a serious threat to the personality traits of the Individual and can cause physiological and social problems.
What is Stress?
We generally believe that the stress is caused by the external events and the dynamics of the environment. But we need to emphasis the fact that the Stress is caused by our reaction to the external environment. The manner in which we perceive and understand the changes or the particular event creates same event can bring happiness and cause Stress in two different people depending upon how they react to it. When students are asked to prepare a presentation, some may take it to be an opportunity to reveal their talents and to improve upon their weakness while the other students may be perturbed by it for the fear of his weakness. So, Stress is our reaction to external events and it can be positive or negative depending upon how we react. It is the general wear and tear of the body machine that takes place due to extra demands put on it.
We can define Stress as “ body's non-specific response to any demand made on it”. Stress is not by definition synonymous with nervous tension or anxiety. On one side Stress provides the means to express talents and energies and pursue happiness on the other side it can also cause exhaustion and illness, either physical or psychological.
Symptoms of Stress
As stated earlier Stress is caused by or reaction to the external events and bring about changes in our response and our general behavior. The presence of Stress can be estimated by the analysis of certain symptoms an individual shows. These symptoms can be divided into three different categories. They are Feelings, Behavior and Physiology. When the individual experience Stress, one or more of the following symptoms can be exhibited.
Feelings
The individual becomes anxious about the outcomes and is scared. The person feels that he has got something to loose or something wrong will take place.
In an anxious state the person does not want to be corrected or interrupted. He looks out for other areas where he can forget about the stress-causing event for a while. The person becomes irritable and moody.
During high level of Stress the individual develops a negative frame of mind and suffers from low self-esteem. The person loose faith in his capabilities and is afraid of the failures. The individual does not have a focused approach and is not able to concentrate and is involved in his own plans and thoughts.
Physiological and Behavioral Changes
Speech problems.
Impulsive Behavior
Crying for no apparent reason.
Laughing in a high pitch and nervous tone of voice.
Grinding of teeth
Increasing smoking and use of drugs and alcohol.
Being accident-prone
Perspiration /sweaty hands
Increased heart beat
Trembling
Nervous ticks
Dryness of throat and mouth.
Tiring easily
Urinating frequently
Sleeping problems
Diarrhea / indigestion / vomiting/ nausea
Butterflies in stomach
Headaches
Premenstrual tension
Pain in the neck and or lower back
Susceptibility to illness
Loss of appetite or over eating
Causes of Stress
Both positive and negative events in one's life can be stressful. However, major life changes are the greatest contributors of stress for most people.
1. If people have to travel a lot and have to move from place to place, it can cause stress.
2. Individuals can also be under stress if they are about to enter some new environment. They may be going to a new colony. To a new college or they may be joining a new organization.
3. Some events, which are generally once in a lifetime can also cause stress. The social institutions of marriage or divorce can cause stress. Pregnancy can also generate Stress.
4. Some of the untoward incidents like critical illness or death of a relative can also cause stress in individuals.
These are some of the major events in the life of the individual that cause stress. It is also supplemented by the environmental factors that act as catalyst cause increment in stress. They are:
Time pressure
Competition
Financial problems
Noise
Disappointments
Stress Management
Stress can be managed if we understand the reasons that cause stress and the level of stress. We should also try to estimate if we could bring about any change in the environment that can subsequently reduce stress.
1. Become aware of your stressors and your emotional and physical reactions.
Notice your distress. Don't ignore it. Don't gloss over your problems.
Determine what events distress you. What are you telling yourself about meaning of these events? Determine how your body responds to the stress. Do you become nervous or physically upset?
2. Recognize what you can change.
Can you change your stressors by avoiding or eliminating them completely? Can you reduce their intensity (manage them over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis)? Can you shorten your exposure to stress (take a break, leave the physical premises)?
Can you devote the time and energy necessary to making a change (goal setting, time management techniques, and delayed gratification strategies may be helpful here)?
3. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress.
The stress reaction is triggered by your perception of danger...physical danger and/or emotional danger. Are you viewing your stressors in exaggerated terms and/or taking a difficult situation and making it a disaster? Are you expecting to please everyone?
Are you overreacting and viewing things as absolutely critical and urgent? Do you feel you must always prevail in every situation?
Work at adopting more moderate views; try to see the stress as something you can cope with rather than something that overpowers you.
Try to temper your excess emotions. Put the situation in perspective. Do not labor on the negative aspects and the "what ifs."
4. Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress.
Slow, deep breathing will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal. Relaxation techniques can reduce muscle tension. Electronic biofeedback can help you gain voluntary control over such things as muscle tension, heartbeat and blood pressure.
Medications, when prescribed by a physician, can help in the short term in moderating your physical reactions. However, they alone are not the answer. Learning to moderate these reactions on your own is a preferable long-term solution.
5. Build your physical reserves.
Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week (moderate, prolonged rhythmic exercise is best, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging). Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals. Maintain your ideal weight.
Avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants. Mix leisure with work. Take breaks and get away when you can. Get enough sleep. Be as consistent with your sleep schedule as possible.
6. Maintain your emotional reserves.
Develop some mutually supportive friendships/relationships.
Pursue realistic goals that are meaningful to you, rather than goals others have for you that you do not share. Expect some frustrations, failures, and sorrows. Always be kind and gentle with yourself -- be a friend to yourself.
Stress Management Techniques
A. Stress Diary - Finding Your Optimum Stress Levels
How to use tool: Keeping a stress diary is an effective way of finding out what causes you stress, the level of stress you prefer, and your effectiveness under pressure. In this diary keep track of your stress levels and your feelings, everyday. In particular, note down stressful events. Record the following information:
At a regular interval, for example every hour, record routine stress. Note:
The time
The amount of stress that you feel (perhaps on a scale of 1 to 10)
How happy you feel
How efficiently you are working
When stressful events occur, write down:
What the event was
When and where did it occur?
What important factors made the event stressful?
How stressful was the event?
How did you handle the event?
Did you tackle the cause or the symptom?
Did you deal with the stress correctly?
Analyzing the Diary: After a few weeks you should be able to analyze this information. It may be interesting as you carry out the analysis to note down the outcomes of the jobs you were doing when you were under stress. This should give you two types of information:
You should be able to understand the level of stress you are happiest with, and the level of stress at which you work most effectively. You may find that your performance is good even when you feel upset by stress.
You should know what the main sources of unpleasant stress in your life are. You should understand what circumstances make stresses particularly unpleasant, and should be able to see whether your strategies for handling the stresses are effective or not.
B. Psyching Up' - Raising Stress Levels to Improve Performance
How to use tool: Where you are not feeling motivated towards a task, either because you are bored by it, or because you are tired, then you may need to 'psych yourself up'. This will increase your arousal so that you can perform effectively. You can try the following:
Focus on the importance or urgency of the task
Set yourself a challenge - e.g. to do the job in a particular time or to do it to a particularly high standard
Break job down into small parts, do each part between more enjoyable work, and take satisfaction from the successful completion of each element.
Use suggestion: e.g. 'I can feel energy flowing into me'
Get angry about something!
C. Anticipating Stress - Managing Stress by Preparing For It
How to use tool: By anticipating stress you can prepare for it and work out how to control it when it happens. You can do this in a number of ways:
Rehearsal:
By practicing for a stressful event such as an interview or a speech several times in advance you can polish your performance and build confidence.
Planning:
By analyzing the likely causes of stress, you will be able to plan your responses to likely forms of stress. These might be actions to alleviate the situation or may be stress management techniques that you will use. It is important that you formally plan for this - it is little use just worrying in an undisciplined way - this will be counterproductive. Formal planning of responses to stress is a technique used by top-level athletes to ensure that they respond effectively to the stresses of competition.
Avoidance:
Where a situation is likely to be unpleasant, and will not yield any benefit to you, it may be one you can just avoid. You should be certain in your own mind, however, that this is the case, and that you are not running away from problems.
Reducing the Importance of an Event:
When an event is important to you, this can make it very stressful. This is particularly true where you are operating at a high level, where many people are watching, or where there is the prospect of a large financial reward, of promotion, or of personal advancement. The presence of family, friends or important people can also add to pressure. If stress is a problem under these circumstances, then think carefully about the event - take every opportunity to reduce its importance in your eyes:
If the event seems big, put it in its place along the path to your goals. Compare it in your mind with bigger events you might know of or might have attended.
If there is a financial reward, remind yourself that there may be other opportunities for reward later. This will not be the only chance you have. Focus on the quality of your performance. Focusing on the rewards will only damage your concentration and raise stress.
If members of your family are watching, remind yourself that they love you anyway. If friends are real friends, they will continue to like you whether you win or lose.
If people who are important to your goals are watching then remind yourself that you may well have other chances to impress them.
If you focus on the correct performance of your tasks, then the importance of the event will dwindle into the background.
Reducing Uncertainty: Uncertainty can cause high levels of stress. Causes of uncertainty can be:
Not having a clear idea of what the future holds
Not knowing where your organization will be going
Not having any career development plans
Not knowing what will be wanted from you in the future
Not knowing what your boss or colleagues think of your abilities
Receiving vague or inconsistent instructions
D. Get a hobby or two, relax and have fun: Talk with friends or someone you can trust about your worries/problems.
1. Learn to use your time wisely:
Evaluate how you are budgeting your time.
Plan ahead and avoid procrastination.
Make a weekly schedule and try to follow it.
2. Set realistic goals and priorities
3. Practice relaxation techniques. For example, whenever you feel tense, slowly breathe in and out for several minutes.
E. Other Techniques:
1. Meditation can also be a good effort to bring down the stress levels.
2. Taking exercise
3. Effective time Management
4. Good Food and nutrition.
Unquote
Can get more of this humanlinkscom
Thanks
Bala
From India, Madras
Hi Anu, thank you for the wonderful Article!!!! Just superb!!! This is a real pep-up article where one feels good & motivated after reading the same. Best regards , Sadashiv Rao :)
From Kuwait, Kuwait
From Kuwait, Kuwait
I would be glad if you can help me with a prcise article on HOW CAN STRESS BE MANAGE IN CAREER MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
From Ghana, Accra
From Ghana, Accra
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Stress management.ppt